Food vs Fuel -Poster [PDF]
(Charlottetown, PEI)- There has been much debate over the use of biofuels taking resources away from food production and in turn raising the cost of food staples like bread and pasta. A fundraising event for the Atlantic Agricultural Leadership Program in partnership with the PEI Grain Elevator corporation, “Food vs Fuel: The Great Grain Debate” aims to bring both sides to the table for an exciting discussion around this controversial topic facing not only the agriculture industry, but society as well.
On Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the Howard Johnson Dutch Inn in Cornwall, PEI, Dr. Claude Caldwell, Professor in the Department of Plant and Animal Science at Dalhousie University and Richard Phillips, a third generation seed grain grower from Saskatchewan and the Executive Director of the Grain Growers of Canada, debate over the dilemma of diverting crops and farmland that once produced food for our family supper tables and for feed for animals, is now being produced for biofuels. Is it right or wrong?
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Caldwell and Mr. Phillips lead the arguments for both views and will have dinner guests participate in the debate as well,” explains Lorraine MacKinnon, Chair of the Atlantic Agricultural Leadership Program.
With the world-wide demand for food increasing and the amount of available land for production is limited, should all production of cereals and oilseeds be dedicated to the production of food or left to be used as biofuels and generate alternative energy like electricity?
Food vs Fuel Dinner and Debate get underway at 6pm at the Howard Johnson Dutch Inn in Cornwall, PEI. Tickets are $60 ($25 tax receipt), available until June 6 and can be purchased online at www.agleaders.ca, by calling 506-204-5976 or at any of the 3 PEI Grain Elevator.
The Atlantic Agricultural Leadership Program develops emerging agricultural leaders to confidently shape the future of the Atlantic and Canadian rural and agricultural sectors. Through a series of workshops, seminars and study tours over an 18-month period, approximately 20 men and women working in Atlantic Canada’s agricultural and associated sectors meet to develop solid leadership skills; learn how political, cultural, social, economic and physical forces impact the agri-food industry; and, establish networks with leaders from Atlantic Canada and beyond. Proceeds from this fundraising event will go towards programming for the Class 8 emerging leaders.